Which perspective holds that disorders are caused by faulty or illogical thinking or interpretation of situations?

Which perspective holds that disorders are caused by faulty or illogical thinking or interpretation of situations?

• A. Cognitive perspective
• B. Behavioral perspective
• C. Biological perspective
• D. Humanistic perspective

Answer: (A)

This item focuses on how thinking patterns influence mental disorders. The cognitive perspective holds that distress arises from the way people interpret events, not from the events themselves. Faulty or illogical thoughts—like overgeneralizing, catastrophizing, or automatic negative interpretations—can lead to strong negative emotions and unhelpful behaviors. For example, interpreting a minor social slip as personal rejection may trigger intense anxiety and avoidance, which reinforces the problem. Cognitive therapy aims to identify and restructure these distorted thoughts to change feelings and actions. In contrast, a behavioral view would explain problems in terms of learned behaviors and reinforcement, not internal thoughts. A biological view would point to brain biology, genetics, or neurochemistry. A humanistic view emphasizes personal growth, self-acceptance, and striving for self-actualization rather than focusing on faulty thinking. So the idea that disorders come from faulty or illogical thinking aligns best with the cognitive perspective.

This item focuses on how thinking patterns influence mental disorders. The cognitive perspective holds that distress arises from the way people interpret events, not from the events themselves. Faulty or illogical thoughts—like overgeneralizing, catastrophizing, or automatic negative interpretations—can lead to strong negative emotions and unhelpful behaviors. For example, interpreting a minor social slip as personal rejection may trigger intense anxiety and avoidance, which reinforces the problem. Cognitive therapy aims to identify and restructure these distorted thoughts to change feelings and actions.

In contrast, a behavioral view would explain problems in terms of learned behaviors and reinforcement, not internal thoughts. A biological view would point to brain biology, genetics, or neurochemistry. A humanistic view emphasizes personal growth, self-acceptance, and striving for self-actualization rather than focusing on faulty thinking. So the idea that disorders come from faulty or illogical thinking aligns best with the cognitive perspective.